"Alright, let's keep practicing. Once you get the hang of it, we still have a ton of attractions to try."
"Okay."
Akira gave Shouko's back a light pat, meaning to gently push her away.
She knew full well that coming to a water park wasn't just about swimming lessons—otherwise they might as well have gone to a regular pool.
Before he could act, she cheekily rubbed her face against his, lips curling into a small smile, then stepped back a few paces.
"Alright, Coach Akira, I'm starting now!" Without waiting for his response, she took a deep breath and dove under, practicing the moves he'd taught her earlier.
With his guidance, Shouko quickly picked up the key techniques, and before long she was swimming smoothly.
When she finished a lap and stood up in the shallow water, her cheeks were puffed out.
"What's wrong, Shouko?" Akira asked. "You've learned to swim, but you're frowning. Shouldn't you be happy?"
Shouko held out her palm toward him. "A reward, Coach Akira! Your student has mastered swimming—shouldn't there be a prize?"
Akira lightly tapped her hand away. "You haven't even paid for lessons and you're already asking for a reward?"
"I made cookies with Grandma yesterday. I'll bring you some tomorrow as payment, and then you can give me a reward, okay?"
"Nope." He shook his head, but still took her hand to lead her out. "Come on, let's try some of the rides."
He knew even if he said no, she'd bring him cookies anyway.
"Coach Akira, slow down…" she laughed, letting him pull her along. She hadn't been all that serious about the 'reward' anyway.
After returning the rental items at the poolside, Akira turned to her.
"Alright, which one first?"
"Let me see…" Shouko scanned the park before pointing toward a giant light-blue funnel high above.
"How about that one?"
Akira followed her gaze and nodded. "Alright, let's go."
Before he could take her hand, she grabbed his instead.
He recognized the attraction from the park's flyer—Double Abyss Vortex. Two people sat on a special raft and plunged into a massive funnel, spinning in circles as water and wind roared around them.
A "romantic" ride for couples, apparently.
The sunlight caught on the water droplets at the tips of Shouko's hair, scattering into tiny rainbows. Just as he was about to say something, she tugged him toward the line.
"Akira, stop zoning out."
"It's our turn!"
Shouko tugged at his sleeve as they reached the front after about ten minutes. Screams from earlier riders echoed through the air.
"Alright, hold the handles tight when you slide," the attendant instructed.
"Got it."
They boarded a blue double raft. Shouko's ears burned red, but she still inched forward, making her back lightly press against his chest.
This had been her plan the entire time—which was why she'd insisted on sitting in front.
The countdown began.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
A thrill of nervousness ran through Akira. For some reason, a scene from a horror movie flashed in his head—one where a killer had hidden spinning blades inside a water slide. He quickly dismissed the thought… mostly.
Shouko, on the other hand, wasn't nervous at all. She was too busy enjoying the feeling of leaning back into him.
The raft shot forward, plunging into the funnel at high speed.
The wind roared past their ears like invisible hands tugging at their hair and clothes. The raft bucked and spun wildly—left, right, tilting until they felt halfway airborne before snapping back the other way.
Even Shouko couldn't fully enjoy herself anymore; the chaotic shaking made it impossible to stay relaxed.
Their vision blurred, walls and strange light patterns flashing by in a dizzying rush.
"Aki—raaa!" Shouko's scream stretched and warped in the tunnel.
Akira didn't bother replying—there was no way she'd hear him clearly.
A burst of sunlight suddenly blinded them as they exited the funnel, the raft slowing to a gentle glide before coming to a stop.
Sunlight danced on the rippling water. Their wet hair clung to their faces, clothes plastered to their skin.
They exchanged glances—what had been fear and tension moments ago was now giddy exhilaration.
Just as Akira was about to stand, Shouko "accidentally" rubbed against his chest twice before getting up.
"…" Akira stared at her. Who corrupted my sweet Shouko into this little menace?
The answer felt close, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
"Achoo!"
"Did you catch a cold last night?"
"It's just a sneeze, Mom. I'm fine."
Takagi Sana waved her mother off and returned to reading her manga.
Meanwhile, Akira and Shouko rested on a bench.
"Alright, what's next?"
Shouko squinted, pretending to think, before her eyes lit up. "How about the Double Abyss Vortex again?"
"Nope." Akira poked her forehead. "Nice try."
Seeing she wouldn't get her way, Shouko pointed at random. "How about that one? Hardly anyone's there."
Akira looked over to see a building shaped like a giant ice cream cone, with the words Ice Cream Bomb House painted across the front.
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